MassDOT to Motorists: New Lane Configuration for Braintree Split Southbound

Changes to improve safety, clearly define lanes in place for morning commute

BOSTON – Wednesday, October 23, 2013— During the overnight hours, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation installed a new lane configuration on I-93 Southbound in Braintree at the split with Route 3 Southbound. On Wednesday morning drivers found two dedicated lanes to I-93 Southbound and two dedicated lanes to Route 3 Southbound. In its prior condition, there were five lanes in this area with three lanes exiting to Route 3 and two continue on I-93 South. The third lane onto Route 3 was an exit-only lane that ended soon after the split at Exit 19. The removal of this lane now accommodates two wider travel lanes to carry traffic onto Route 3 Southbound.

As motorists encountered the new configuration for the first time, MassDOT anticipated that there will be confusion until drivers become familiar with the new lane configuration. The intent is to better define the lanes and avoid last minute, unsafe lane changes.

The goals of this new configuration are to:

Reduce driver confusion at the complicated interchange -- simplifying lanes so two lanes exit to Route 3 and two lanes stay on I-93 South

Increase driver awareness of upcoming lane split by using high-visibility pavement markings to identify which lanes exit and which lanes stay on I-93 South

In addition to the high-visibility pavement markings, new overhead signage will be installed shortly to communicate the new configuration. MassDOT consulted with its partners at the Massachusetts State Police and incorporated their suggestions into this plan.